On this date in 1924, the Los Angeles Times ran another of its limerick contests, this time about “A young man from Seal Beach.” The entry form is reproduced below, but, while today’s readers are encouraged to take their own shot at finishing the limerick and sharing it in the comments, keep in mind that the actual contest with the cash prizes ended nearly 93 years ago.

Back in 1924, Los Angeles Times readers had to wait until December 26th to read the winning entries, but you modern web surfers won’t have to wait that long. The $25 first prize winner was Gladys L. Hoskins, 514 Security Building, Los Angeles, with a holiday-themed rhyme:

There was a young man from Seal Beach,
Who held on to his dough like a leech,
He once spent a dime,
All at the same time,For Christmas gifts, one nickel each!

Five bucks and the second prize went to Mrs. L.H. Dustin, 316 Parke Street, Pasadena :

There was a young man from Seal Beach,
Who held on to his dough like a leech,
He once spent a dime,
All at the same time,Showing grief as it passed from his reach.

This Date in Seal Beach History

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